Parts for your 2016 Subaru Impreza-Drive belt

2016 Subaru Impreza drive belt: what it does and how to look after it

Yes, the 2016 Subaru Impreza is fitted with an auxiliary drive belt (often called a serpentine or V‑ribbed belt). Subaru’s factory service information for the FB-series engine (STIS, section ME(H4DO) – V‑belt) and the 2016 Impreza Owner’s Manual maintenance schedule confirm the use of an accessory belt to drive components such as the alternator and the air‑conditioning compressor. Major aftermarket catalogues used by workshops in Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Gates and Dayco) also specify replacement belts for this exact model, which backs up that it’s a belt‑driven accessory system. For clarity, the engine’s cam timing uses a chain, not a timing belt—different part altogether.

On a 2016 Impreza, the drive belt’s job is to transfer crankshaft power to the alternator (keeping the battery charged) and the A/C compressor (keeping the cabin cool). If the belt slips or fails, charging stops and the air‑con drops out—so it’s worth staying ahead of it in routine servicing.

Best practice is to inspect the belt at every service interval (common AU/NZ schedules are 12 months or 12,500 km). Subaru guidance is condition‑based: replace if there’s cracking, fraying, missing ribs, glazing, or noise. Many owners find replacement falls somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km, but climate, dust, and driving style can swing that earlier or later.

• Listen for chirps or squeals on cold starts—often a tell‑tale of wear, contamination, or tension issues.
• Look for rib cracks, edge fray, shiny/glazed ribs, or rubber dust around the pulleys.
• Keep oil and coolant off the belt, contamination accelerates failure.

When replacing the belt, it’s smart to inspect the tensioner and idler pulleys, as tired bearings can chew through a new belt quickly. Depending on the exact engine variant, the A/C may use a separate stretch‑fit belt, those are single‑use and need the proper installation tool—don’t lever them on with a screwdriver. After fitment, confirm alignment across all pulleys and verify charging system output with the engine running.

Because the FB engine’s water pump is chain‑driven internally, a snapped accessory belt won’t typically overheat the engine straight away, but it will strand the car once the battery is depleted. If the belt’s noisy or suspect, it’s worth sorting before that weekend trip.

FAQs

Does the 2016 Subaru Impreza have a timing belt or a chain?
It runs a timing chain, not a timing belt. Separate to that, it does have an auxiliary drive belt that powers the alternator and A/C compressor, which should be inspected at each service and replaced when worn.

How often should the drive belt be replaced on a 2016 Impreza?
Subaru recommends condition‑based replacement. In Australia and New Zealand, have it checked every 12 months or 12,500 km. Many belts last 80,000–120,000 km, but heat, dust, and city driving can shorten that. Replace at the first signs of cracking, glazing, fray, or persistent noise.

Is it safe to drive if the belt is squealing?
Not ideal. A squeal can indicate slippage, wear, contamination, or a failing tensioner/idler. While the engine’s cooling isn’t usually affected on this model, you risk losing battery charging and being stuck once the battery goes flat. Get it inspected promptly.